Diverse Writings: Folktales & Fables

Grade 3 · English

Semester 1 | Period 2 | Week 9

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Subject: English

Semester: 1

Period: 2

Week: 9


School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: English Language
Grade Level: Grade 3
Date: Week 9
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 9, Period 2
Topic: Diverse Writings: Folktales and Fables
Sub-topic: Reading and analyzing literary genres
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Read and identify features of folktales and fables
Identify story elements: character, setting, plot
Retell stories orally and in writing
Determine the theme or lesson of a story
Compare characters and their actions

Previous Knowledge
Students already know:
Story elements
Oral and written retelling of stories

Instructional Materials
English Language textbook for Grade 3

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Ask learners to share their favorite folktale or fable
Discuss common features: moral, animals as characters, setting

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Introduction to Folktales and Fables:

  • Folktales are traditional stories passed down through generations, often teaching a lesson or explaining something about life.
  • Fables are short stories that usually involve animals as characters and teach a clear moral or lesson.
  • Story elements:
    • Characters: Who the story is about.
    • Setting: Where and when the story happens.
    • Plot: The main events in the story.
  • Moral/Lesson: The message or life lesson that the story teaches.

 

Modeling the Process:

  1. Reading Aloud:
    • Choose a folktale or fable appropriate for grade 3 (e.g., “The Tortoise and the Hare,” “Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock”).
    • Read the story aloud with expression, pausing to discuss important parts.
  2. Identify Story Elements:
    • Characters: Ask learners who the story is about (e.g., Tortoise, Hare).
    • Setting: Discuss where the story takes place (e.g., forest, village).
    • Plot: Summarize the sequence of events together (beginning, middle, end).
  3. Discuss Moral/Lesson:
    • Ask learners what the story teaches or the lesson learned.
    • Model explaining the moral in simple terms (e.g., “Slow and steady wins the race”).
  4. Compare Characters:
    • Highlight differences and similarities in characters’ actions and how those lead to different outcomes.
    • Example: The Hare is fast but careless; the Tortoise is slow but persistent.

 

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  1. Readers’ Theatre:
    • Assign roles and let learners read the story aloud in small groups, practicing expression and fluency.
    • Encourage them to act out characters’ feelings and actions.
  2. Complete Venn Diagrams:
    • Provide Venn diagrams to compare and contrast two or more characters from the story.
    • Guide learners to list traits, actions, and outcomes in overlapping and separate sections.
  3. Oral Retelling:
    • In pairs, learners take turns retelling the story in their own words, emphasizing the sequence of events and key details.
    • Prompt them to include the moral in their retelling.
  4. Written Summary with Moral:
    • Learners write a short summary of the story, including the main characters, setting, key events, and the moral lesson.
    • Encourage using story vocabulary words like character, setting, plot, moral, lesson.

 

Assessment Checks:

  • Observation:
    • Monitor learners’ participation during Readers’ Theatre and oral retelling for understanding of story elements.
    • Listen for accurate description of characters, setting, and plot.
  • Oral Questioning:
    • Ask learners to explain the moral or lesson of the story in their own words.
    • Probe for reasoning on how characters’ actions affected the outcome.
  • Written Work:
    • Review summaries to ensure clear identification of story elements and inclusion of the moral.
    • Check for comprehension, correct sequence, and clarity of writing.

 

Teaching Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  • Vocabulary Reinforcement:
    Introduce and review key vocabulary related to story elements (e.g., character, setting, plot, moral, lesson). Use visuals or word walls.
  • Use Visual Aids:
    Display story charts or graphic organizers to visually map characters, setting, plot, and moral.
    Use Venn diagrams to scaffold comparison and contrast activities.
  • Discussion on Lessons:
    Encourage learners to discuss how the moral applies to their own lives or behavior.
    Promote deeper thinking by asking “Why do you think the story ends this way?” or “What would happen if a character acted differently?”
  • Encourage Expressive Reading:
    Use Readers’ Theatre to build fluency, expression, and confidence in reading aloud.
    Model varying tone and pace to match characters’ emotions.

 

Additional Examples for Practice:

  • Folktale/Fable Choices:
    • “The Lion and the Mouse” – Moral: Even small friends can help.
    • “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” – Moral: Always tell the truth.
    • “Why the Sky is Far Away” (Liberian Folktale) – Moral: Greed causes trouble.
  • Sample Venn Diagram Topics:
    • Compare the Tortoise and the Hare: Traits, behaviors, and outcomes.
    • Compare the Lion and the Mouse: Size, strength, helpfulness.

 

Sample Homework/Assignment:

  • Choose a favorite folktale or fable at home or from the library. Write 3-4 sentences describing the characters, setting, and plot. Then write what lesson or moral the story teaches.
  • Draw a Venn diagram comparing two characters from the story.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Summary: Discuss moral of the story and characters’ actions

Evaluation Method (Expanded)
Exit slip/quiz: Identify characters, setting, and moral from a folktale
Teacher will collect slips and provide oral feedback

Assignment (Expanded)
Write a short paragraph summarizing a folktale with a moral
Underline characters, setting, and plot

Follow-up Activity
Select a different fable or folktale to create a Venn diagram of characters

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Provide sentence starters for learners needing support
Encourage advanced learners to write longer summaries with additional details

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low